Reference
The whole system on one page
Haanel never wrote a numbered list of “laws”. He wrote 24 parts of argument, each one resting on the same handful of principles. This is that skeleton, compressed — the twenty-two statements the course actually runs on, each labelled with the part where he makes it.
The one law that starts it
Thought is cause; conditions are effects. To change the effect, change the cause — and the cause is only ever found in the world within. (Part 1)
The 90% rule
At least 90% of your mental life is subconscious and it works by habit, not by mood. Load the loom on purpose, daily. (Parts 2, 5)
The tension rule
Tension manufactures worry, care, fear and anxiety. Relaxation is a voluntary exercise of the will, and it is a prerequisite for all mental work. (Parts 3, 12)
The release rule
Whatever you hold in mind you weave into circumstance. Put down hatred, anger, worry, jealousy, envy, sorrow, disappointment — by voluntary intention, repeatedly. (Part 4)
The picture rule
Hold a complete mental picture and the thing is drawn nearer. Persistence wins; a wandering mind is expected. (Parts 5, 7)
The attention rule
Interest follows attention, not the reverse. Unused power drains; used power multiplies. (Parts 6, 18)
The origin rule
Every form was first an idea. Trace anything back and you will find a thought that someone refused to abandon. (Part 8)
The seed rule
No effect appears until a seed is sown, and the fruit always matches the seed. Watch what you plant daily. (Parts 9, 18)
The proof rule
Self-belief returns through evidence of control. Build the square, move the point, and know that you commanded it. (Part 10)
The faith rule
Say what you desire, never how it must arrive. The finite cannot instruct the Infinite. (Parts 3, 11)
The equality rule
You have the same potential ability as anyone who ever lived. The difference is degree — practice, clarity, time. (Part 12)
The recognition rule
Recognition brings realisation. You are not earning a connection; you are noticing one that already exists. (Part 13)
The door rule
Keep out of mind and world everything that seeks admittance with no definite helpful end in view. (Part 14)
The application rule
Knowledge does not apply itself; our actions follow habit and precedent. Write the program; date the actions. (Part 15)
The state rule
Happiness is a state of consciousness. Things are effects — so work on the state that produces them. (Part 16)
The repose rule
Power comes through repose. Concentrate with no effort and no anxiety as to results. (Part 17)
The appearance rule
Appearances are deceptive. The earth looked flat to everyone who trusted their eyes. (Part 19)
The Silence rule
In the Silence you get in touch with the power from which all power is evolved. Silent thought is the mightiest agent in human affairs. (Parts 12, 20, 21)
The truth rule
Think the truth and the false must cease to be. The real 'I' can never be less than perfect. (Parts 21, 24)
The nearness rule
The power is closer than breathing and nearer than hands and feet. Nothing disqualifies you from speaking to it. (Part 22)
The service rule
Money is an attitude — receptive. Fear is the only dam. Make a magnet of yourself by making things better for others. (Part 23)
The authorship rule
Your environment already exists in your subconscious personality. If there is injustice in your life, look within for the mental fact — not for blame, but to keep authorship. (Part 24)
Which part teaches which principle
Follow a thread instead of reading front to back. Each part is public — you never need an account to read.
Two honest caveats
First, several of these principles are stated by Haanel as absolute laws of the universe. We translate them as an operating metaphor — attention and belief shape action, and action shapes outcomes. Second, none of them outrank medicine, money, or other people. Where the course and reality disagree, The Master Key Academy says so in the open, and the safety page lists exactly where.